Australian Spider Beetle are 2.5mm - 4mm long and their bodies are covered with dull brown to golden brown hairs

Infestations of these beetles often come from birds nests and a check should be made of lofts/fireplaces etc. or any other places where birds nests may be stuck and any nests/dead birds removed. Spider beetles prefer moist places and can infest food products and even textiles especially if soiled. They are becoming an increasing pest in houses. They are most active between August and November and are seen mostly at night; they spend days in cracks and crevices.

Control of spider beetles in the home is similar to control of any other stored product pests. Any infested food items should be thrown away and any spilled food cleared up. A vacuum cleaner should be used to clean around appliances and to get into cracks and crevices in the affected rooms.

Cupboards and shelves where infested food items were stored should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned and a light spray of household insecticide for crawling insects, which is available in most supermarkets and DIY stores, can be applied to cracks and corners of infested storage areas and may help kill any beetles that remain after thorough cleaning.

It is very important to clean the infected areas before spraying otherwise the treatment will not work.